Who benefits from economic development?

Posted:
07/27/2013 09:25:22 AM MDT

Much has been said about economic development opportunities in Estes Park. With a strong and competent town government, multiple economic development proposals in the works, and a local economy that is stronger than many towns of our size, we should have an unusually good future.

But the question must be asked, who will benefit from these opportunities?

Nationally, many business leaders are rapidly becoming wealthier. Retirement pension programs are in good shape for millions of Americans but the economic bonanzas are not known to too many people at the same time.

As new projects are debated and some are implemented, we will be doing ourselves a huge favor if we continuously repeat, "Who benefits? And we should answer that question, too.

Conversations with Virgil Good and Michael Haughey at Crossroads Ministry illustrate the growing Estes Park population that is now living at or below the poverty line. Recent immigrants, especially Hispanics, some elderly persons, unemployed temporary workers and some disabled persons are often struggling to make ends meet. These groups typically are quiet about their circumstances as they don't wish to broadcast their difficulties. Thus many become invisible to most Estes Park residents.

The Bright Christmas program that provides Holiday gifts to individuals and families, who can't afford to purchase their own gifts is experiencing increasing demand year to year. At the national level, while the unemployment rate appears to be declining, much of the decline can be attributed to unemployed persons who have quit seeking re-employment.

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To represent the needs and interests of those dropping below the poverty line is simply good for the entire community. To have an invisible, at risk population is increasingly harmful. Ignored populations can become permanently entrenched in unemployment and underemployment and dependent on public and private welfare programs.

Frank and Donna Shavlik, recently interviewed by the Trail Gazette, emphasized the growing need for responses to less fortunate people in our community. Both have long, constructive histories of responsiveness to persons in need in Estes Park.

The subject of diversity is related to economic development strategies in important ways. Encouraging people from the widest range of characteristics to be full partners in economic development programs means the broadest range of ideas and needs receive attention. Focusing on business owners alone misses the valuing of diversity. And diversity is far more than just ethnicity. It includes additional characteristics such as age, gender, work styles, sexual orientation and a long list of qualities that constitute uniqueness. All this leads to the widest number and variety of responses to difficult challenges we face as our community changes.

Dr. Henry Guy, who is hosting the monthly Estes Park Open Forum, made an important point in last week's Forum when he pointed out that we need to move outside the idea that solutions to all our major challenges lies with the federal government. Given its current struggles and the very low approval rating of Congress, we need to "...become inspired..." with new ways of dealing with our inexorable community changes.

These new ideas and approaches will be amplified as more people are impacted and involved by community and economic development activities. We all can contribute solutions to challenges and we must do so. Alexandre Soljenitsyne said it powerfully, "When the people lead, governments must follow."

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